Typical Interview Questions...?

Relax, just be yourself. You'll be fine!!

 

First of all, not every school requres an interview for postbacc program. For those that do, more likely than not, it wont be like a hardcore serious interview session. I applied to like 5 schools for postbacc and an interview was only required for 3 of the schools and of those 3 schools, only 1 of those schools gave me a serious 1 on 1 interview test. The other 2 interviews were only bout getting to know the student and jus friendly talk with the interviewer and such. Dont worry, just be yourself and answer their questions honestly. Just make sure u have a good answer for them when they ask u why u have a sudden interest in medicine.

 

Doc, I responded to some of your questions in PM, but I thought I'd add some comments for others who might be in the same situation.

I only went on one interview...it was an informal getting to know me kind of session. The interviewer definitely read my personal statement, looked at my transcript, etc...and any direct questions came from that material.

1. I was asked about a W on my transcript. In my personal statement.
2. I stressed that I have a realistic perspective on the practice of medicine bc I've already been exposed to the realities of it. She asked me to give examples.
3. I was asked if I've ever had to teach myself sciences and how was that.
4. I was asked if I was prepared to give up my professional identity for a good time and ready to become a student again.

Those were my questions but as you can see very specific to my application. I think the most important thing about doing well on an interview is to be prepared. Look at your application as an objective observer. What would raise red flags and doubts with you if you were interviewer? Be prepared to address those in the the most positive light. I might even suggest finding a way to work that in with discussing your strengths to avoid get asked a pointed question about it. If you work into a story in the background of strengths, I think it's far better than a response directly to that issue bc it could like excuses. Anyhow, focus on what you want to the interviewer to know and remember about you.

Frankly, I'm not sure that being yourself cuts it. Sitting back and being yourself won't help bc how well do you get to know someone in 15 minutes. Sure, you'll seem polite, nice - but will that set you apart? I think there needs to be a really concentrated effort on giving the interviewer a full picture of you in 15-30 minutes. My opinion is that in an interview where the interviewer asks you question after question with pauses in between is not a good interview. The best interviews have always been those that feel like a conversation with a friend and the 30 minutes are up and over before the interviewer has a chance to know it.

I take this not from one post-bacc interview but my many job interviews and interviews with potential applicants in my job. You need to make it your job to make them like you.

 

Interviewed at U Penn -
1. Have you ever thought of a DO or FM school?
(Why do I think this is not a good sign?)
2. Tell me about yourself.
3. Are you prepared to take on the academic workload?

 

I was asked what experiences have you had that supports your career change.

And the also generic, "Tell me about yourself."